Women of Courage

The American Women for International Understanding is honored to announce that the 2017 Internationalism Award recipient is Anita DeFrantz, an Olympian and member of the International Olympic Committee who is an advocate for equality and

Biographies of 2016 Award Winners From U.S. Department Of State Bangladesh Sara Hossain is a human rights lawyer who has fought on behalf of Bangladesh’s most disadvantaged and marginalized citizens, particularly women and girls, in her

Lesley Stahl to be Honorary Chair of IWOC Celebration 2016 One of America’s most recognized and experienced broadcast journalists, Lesley Stahl’s career has been marked by political scoops, surprising features and award-winning foreign

2016 AWIU Internationalism Award Recipient is Harriet M. Fulbright “I believe that global education is one of the most powerful tools to improve nations by reducing poverty, sustaining economic growth, and helping build a more peaceful world.

AWIU PROVIDES GRANT TO ZENA BIH MOSTAR TO TRAIN WOMEN IN SEWING SKILLS Grant funds were used for stimulation for economic empowerment of women, victims of violence, who were placed in the Safe house of ZENA BIH (Mostar), in the form of purchase

2015 International Women of Courage Award Winners Captain Niloofar Rahmani AFGHANISTAN Captain Niloofar Rahmani is the first female to graduate as fixed-wing Afghan Air Force pilot in September 2012. She continued advanced flight training

Ms. Beatrice Mtetwa has been recognized as one of the State Department’s Women of Courage for 2014 for her work as a prominent human rights lawyer in Zimbabwe. Stepping in when other lawyers have shied away for fear of political repercussions,

Ms. Ruslana Lyzhychko has been recognized as one of the State Department’s Women of Courage for 2014 for her work as a human rights advocate and leader in the movement for democratic reform in Ukraine. Ms. Lyzhychko gained fame initially as a

Ms. Oinikhol Bobonazarova has been recognized as one of the State Department’s Women of Courage for 2014 for her work towards human rights in Tajikistan. In September 2013, Ms. Bobonazarova put forth her name as a candidate to become President

Ms. Fatimata Touré has been recognized as one of the State Department’s Women of Courage for 2014 for her work advocating women’s rights and helping victims of gender-based violence. During the 2012 extremist occupation of Northern Mali,

Our Mission

Promotes woman-to-woman interaction and understanding Worldwide through meaningful visits, grants, educational support, the celebration and support of the International Women of Courage, and participation of local Chapters which act locally and affect globally.

Quote

Diane McGlinchey

“
In these times of a shrinking world, AWIU offers its members the opportunity to meet and understand people of other cultures, women in particular. Through AWIU one can visit, gain knowledge and even assist women in other countries, thus contributing to world peace and understanding.

Maya Angelou

“
How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!

Madvi Raya

“
Today, women are naturally transitioning to taking on leadership roles. Since its inception in 1967, AWIU promotes learning and understanding via its delegations, grants, and volunteerism. AWIU is a grass roots organization that connects women, within the U.S. and around the globe, through goodwill.

Roshika Deo, 2014 International woman of courage, Fiji

“
"I appreciate the work that American Women of International Understanding (AWIU) is doing to generate awareness on women's issues around the globe. Their support, empathy, effort and time as a volunteer, to feature problems that women face within and outside the U.S. is simply commendable. Raising awareness on women's issues is a crucial step towards progress and so is working together in global solidarity. "

Zuzana Stevulova, 2016 International Woman of Courage, Slovakia

“
"Women leaders around the world are working on issues, which promote peace, justice, and progress for societies. As Margareth Mead famously said, all it takes to change the world is a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens. In their work, AWIU recognizes efforts and lasting achievements of women around the globe and encourages them to take action. Thus, this group of committed citizens becomes stronger and leads the world towards lasting peace, respect to human rights and international solidarity."